“It is getting very cold and some of these veterans are in dire need of warm clothing,” said Eugene Parrotta, chairman of Ball’s Veterans Advisory Council. “We appreciate Sen. Ball and his team for everything they do for our veterans. Using the senator’s large network, we should be able to collect a large amount of clothing for our veterans this winter.”

In 2012, the two Veterans Affairs hospitals served more than 240,000 veterans who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, which is up 21 percent from 2011, said the Rev. Thomas Lutz, chairman of Ball’s Faith Based Advisory Council.

Numerous collection locations were set up throughout the Hudson Valley ahead of the holidays. Those who wish to drop off clothing now may visit Ball’s district office during normal business hours at 1441 Route 22, Suite 205, Brewster.

“During this season of giving we are mindful that there are many, many people who lack the basic necessities of life – food, shelter, and clothing,” Lutz said.

After dropping off the clothing, Ball’s faith-based and veterans councils sang Christmas carols throughout the Montrose VA.

“I would like to thank everyone that has been involved in this clothing drive,” Ball said. “This clothing will go a long way to ensure that our local veterans are well-dressed this winter. It is sad to think, but many of our local Hudson Valley veterans are in need of warm clothing for the winter months ahead. Our veterans have given so much for us, and it breaks my heart to think that some of these heroes lack basic necessities. As a community, we have a duty to ensure they are provided for. No New Yorker, especially a veteran, should go without warm clothing this winter.”